Glass compositions with improved chemical and mechanical durability

ABSTRACT

The embodiments described herein relate to chemically and mechanically durable glass compositions and glass articles formed from the same. In another embodiment, a glass composition may include from about 70 mol. % to about 80 mol. % SiO 2 ; from about 3 mol. % to about 13 mol. % alkaline earth oxide; X mol. % A1 2 O 3 ; and Y mol. % alkali oxide. The alkali oxide may include Na 2 O in an amount greater than about 8 mol. %. A ratio of Y:X may be greater than 1 and the glass composition may be free of boron and compounds of boron. In some embodiments, the glass composition may also be free of phosphorous and compounds of phosphorous. Glass articles formed from the glass composition may have at least a class S3 acid resistance according to DIN 12116, at least a class A2 base resistance according to ISO 695, and a type HGA1 hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 720.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisonal patentapplication Ser. No. 14/551,773, filed Nov. 24, 2014 and entitled “GlassCompositions With Improved Chemical And Mechanical Durability” which isa continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.13/660,450, filed Oct. 25, 2012 and entitled “Glass Compositions WithImproved Chemical And Mechanical Durability” (now U.S. Pat. No.8,980,777) and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/551,163, filed Oct. 25, 2011 entitled “GlassCompositions With Improved Chemical and Mechanical Durability,” each ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present specification generally relates to glass compositions and,more specifically, to chemically and mechanically durable glasscompositions which are suitable for use in pharmaceutical packaging.

Technical Background

Historically, glass has been used as the preferred material forpackaging pharmaceuticals because of its hermeticity, optical clarityand excellent chemical durability relative to other materials.Specifically, the glass used in pharmaceutical packaging must haveadequate chemical durability so as not to affect the stability of thepharmaceutical compositions contained therein. Glasses having suitablechemical durability include those glass compositions within the ASTMstandard ‘Type 1B’ glass compositions which have a proven history ofchemical durability.

However, use of glass for such applications is limited by the mechanicalperformance of the glass. Specifically, in the pharmaceutical industry,glass breakage is a safety concern for the end user as the brokenpackage and/or the contents of the package may injure the end user.Breakage can be costly to pharmaceutical manufacturers because breakagewithin a filling line requires that neighboring unbroken containers bediscarded as the containers may contain fragments from the brokencontainer. Breakage may also require that the filling line be slowed orstopped, lowering production yields. In addition, breakage may alsoresult in the loss of active drug product leading to increased costs.Further, non-catastrophic breakage (i.e., when the glass cracks but doesnot break) may cause the contents to lose their sterility which, inturn, may result in costly product recalls.

One approach to improving the mechanical durability of the glass packageis to thermally temper the glass package. Thermal tempering strengthensglass by inducing a surface compressive stress during rapid coolingafter forming. This technique works well for glass articles with flatgeometries (such as windows), glass articles with thicknesses >2 mm, andglass compositions with high thermal expansion. However, pharmaceuticalglass packages typically have complex geometries (vial, tubular,ampoule, etc.), thin walls (˜1-1.5 mm), and are produced from lowexpansion glasses (30−55×10⁻⁷K⁻¹) making glass pharmaceutical packagesunsuitable for strengthening by thermal tempering.

Chemical tempering also strengthens glass by the introduction of surfacecompressive stress. The stress is introduced by submerging the articlein a molten salt bath. As ions from the glass are replaced by largerions from the molten salt, a compressive stress is induced in thesurface of the glass. The advantage of chemical tempering is that it canbe used on complex geometries, thin samples, and is relativelyinsensitive to the thermal expansion characteristics of the glasssubstrate. However, glass compositions which exhibit a moderatesusceptibility to chemical tempering generally exhibit poor chemicaldurability and vice-versa.

Accordingly, a need exists for glass compositions which are chemicallydurable and susceptible to chemical strengthening by ion exchange foruse in glass pharmaceutical packages, and similar applications.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a glass composition may include: SiO₂ in aconcentration greater than about 70 mol. % and Y mol. % alkali oxide.The alkali oxide may include Na₂O in an amount greater than about 8 mol.%. The glass composition may be free of boron and compounds of boron.

According to another embodiment, a glass composition may include:greater than about 68 mol. % SiO₂; X mol. % Al₂O₃; Y mol. % alkalioxide; and B₂O₃. The alkali oxide may include Na₂O in an amount greaterthan about 8 mol %. A ratio (B₂O₃ (mol. %)/(Y mol. %−X mol. %) may begreater than 0 and less than 0.3.

In yet another embodiment, a glass article may have a type HGB1hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 719. The glass article mayinclude greater than about 8 mol. % Na₂O and less than about 4 mol. %B₂O₃.

In still another embodiment, a glass pharmaceutical package may include:SiO₂ in an amount greater than about 70 mol. %; X mol. % Al₂O₃; and Ymol. % alkali oxide. The alkali oxide may include Na₂O in an amountgreater than about 8 mol. %. A ratio of a concentration of B₂O₃ (mol. %)in the glass pharmaceutical package to (Y mol. %−X mol. %) may be lessthan 0.3. The glass pharmaceutical package may also have a type HGB1hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 719.

In another embodiment, a glass composition may include from about 70mol. % to about 80 mol. % SiO_(2;) from about 3 mol. % to about 13 mol.% alkaline earth oxide; X mol. % Al₂O₃; and Y mol. % alkali oxide. Thealkali oxide may include Na₂O in an amount greater than about 8 mol. %.A ratio of Y:X may be greater than 1 and the glass composition may befree of boron and compounds of boron.

In yet another embodiment, a glass composition may include: from about72 mol. % to about 78 mol. % SiO_(2;) from about 4 mol. % to about 8mol. % alkaline earth oxide; X mol. % Al₂O₃; and Y mol. % alkali oxide.The amount of alkaline earth oxide may be greater than or equal to about4 mol. % and less than or equal to about 8 mol. %. The alkali oxide mayinclude Na₂O in an amount greater than or equal to about 9 mol. % andless than or equal to about 15 mol. %. A ratio of Y:X may be greaterthan 1. The glass composition may be free of boron and compounds ofboron.

In still another embodiment, a glass composition may include: from about68 mol. % to about 80 mol. % SiO₂; from about 3 mol. % to about 13 mol.% alkaline earth oxide; X mol. % Al₂O₃; and Y mol. % alkali oxide. Thealkali oxide may include Na₂O in an amount greater than about 8 mol. %.The glass composition may also include B₂O₃. A ratio (B₂O₃ (mol. %)/(Ymol. %−X mol. %) may be greater than 0 and less than 0.3, and a ratio ofY:X may be greater than 1.

In another embodiment, a glass composition may include from about 70mol. % to about 80 mol. % SiO₂; from about 3 mol. % to about 13 mol. %alkaline earth oxide; X mol. % Al₂O₃; and Y mol. % alkali oxide. Thealkaline earth oxide may include CaO in an amount greater than or equalto about 0.1 mol. % and less than or equal to about 1.0 mol. %. X may begreater than or equal to about 2 mol. % and less than or equal to about10 mol. %. The alkali oxide may include from about 0.01 mol. % to about1.0 mol. % K₂O. A ratio of Y:X may be greater than 1. The glasscomposition may be free of boron and compounds of boron.

In yet another embodiment, a glass composition may include SiO₂ in anamount greater than about 70 mol. % and less than or equal to about 80mol. %; from about 3 mol. % to about 13 mol. % alkaline earth oxide; Xmol. % Al₂O₃; and Y mol. % alkali oxide. The alkali oxide may includeNa₂O in an amount greater than about 8 mol. %. A ratio of aconcentration of B₂O₃ (mol. %) in the glass composition to (Y mol. %−Xmol. %) may be less than 0.3. A ratio of Y:X may be greater than 1.

In another embodiment, a glass article may have a type HGB1 hydrolyticresistance according to ISO 719. The glass article may also have athreshold diffusivity of greater than 16 μm²/hr at a temperature lessthan or equal to 450° C.

In yet another embodiment, a glass article may have a type HGB1hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 719. The glass article may alsohave a compressive stress layer with a depth of layer of greater than 25μm and a surface compressive stress of greater than or equal to 350 MPa.The glass article may be ion exchange strengthened and the ion exchangestrengthening may include treating the glass article in a molten saltbath for a time less than or equal to 5 hours at a temperature less thanor equal to 450° C.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing theembodiments described herein, including the detailed description whichfollows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description describe various embodiments and areintended to provide an overview or framework for understanding thenature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanyingdrawings are included to provide a further understanding of the variousembodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of thisspecification. The drawings illustrate the various embodiments describedherein, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples and operations of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 graphically depicts the relationship between the ratio of alkalioxides to alumina (x-axis) and the strain point, annealing point, andsoftening point (y-axes) of inventive and comparative glasscompositions;

FIG. 2 graphically depicts the relationship between the ratio of alkalioxides to alumina (x-axis) and the maximum compressive stress and stresschange (y-axes) of inventive and comparative glass compositions;

FIG. 3 graphically depicts the relationship between the ratio of alkalioxides to alumina (x-axis) and hydrolytic resistance as determined fromthe ISO 720 standard (y-axis) of inventive and comparative glasscompositions;

FIG. 4 graphically depicts diffusivity D (y-axis) as a function of theratio (CaO/(CaO+MgO)) (x-axis) for inventive and comparative glasscompositions;

FIG. 5 graphically depicts the maximum compressive stress (y-axis) as afunction of the ratio (CaO/(CaO+MgO)) (x-axis) for inventive andcomparative glass compositions;

FIG. 6 graphically depicts diffusivity D (y-axis) as a function of theratio (B₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃)) (x-axis) for inventive and comparative glasscompositions; and

FIG. 7 graphically depicts the hydrolytic resistance as determined fromthe ISO 720 standard (y-axis) as a function of the ratio(B₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃)) (x-axis) for inventive and comparative glasscompositions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of glasscompositions which exhibit improved chemical and mechanical durability.Such glass compositions are suitable for use in various applicationsincluding, without limitation, as pharmaceutical packaging materials.The glass compositions may also be chemically strengthened therebyimparting increased mechanical durability to the glass. The glasscompositions described herein may generally comprise silica (SiO₂),alumina (Al₂O₃), alkaline earth oxides (such as MgO and/or CaO), andalkali oxides (such as Na₂O and/or K₂O) in amounts which impart chemicaldurability to the glass composition. Moreover, the alkali oxides presentin the glass compositions facilitate chemically strengthening the glasscompositions by ion exchange. Various embodiments of the glasscompositions will be described herein and further illustrated withreference to specific examples.

The term “softening point,” as used herein, refers to the temperature atwhich the viscosity of the glass composition is 1×10⁷⁶ poise.

The term “annealing point,” as used herein, refers to the temperature atwhich the viscosity of the glass composition is 1×10¹³ poise.

The terms “strain point” and “T_(strain)” as used herein, refers to thetemperature at which the viscosity of the glass composition is 3×10¹⁴poise.

The term “CTE,” as used herein, refers to the coefficient of thermalexpansion of the glass composition over a temperature range from aboutroom temperature (RT) to about 300° C.

In the embodiments of the glass compositions described herein, theconcentrations of constituent components (e.g., SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and thelike) are specified in mole percent (mol. %) on an oxide basis, unlessotherwise specified.

The terms “free” and “substantially free,” when used to describe theconcentration and/or absence of a particular constituent component in aglass composition, means that the constituent component is notintentionally added to the glass composition. However, the glasscomposition may contain traces of the constituent component as acontaminant or tramp in amounts of less than 0.01 mol. %.

The term “chemical durability,” as used herein, refers to the ability ofthe glass composition to resist degradation upon exposure to specifiedchemical conditions. Specifically, the chemical durability of the glasscompositions described herein was assessed according to threeestablished material testing standards: DIN 12116 dated March 2001 andentitled “Testing of glass—Resistance to attack by a boiling aqueoussolution of hydrochloric acid—Method of test and classification”; ISO695:1991 entitled “Glass—Resistance to attack by a boiling aqueoussolution of mixed alkali—Method of test and classification”; and ISO720:1985 entitled “Glass—Hydrolytic resistance of glass grains at 121degrees C.—Method of test and classification.” The chemical durabilityof the glass may also be assessed according to ISO 719:1985“Glass—Hydrolytic resistance of glass grains at 98 degrees C.—Method oftest and classification,” in addition to the above referenced standards.The ISO 719 standard is a less rigorous version of the ISO 720 standardand, as such, it is believed that a glass which meets a specifiedclassification of the ISO 720 standard will also meet the correspondingclassification of the ISO 719 standard. The classifications associatedwith each standard are described in further detail herein.

The glass compositions described herein are alkali aluminosilicate glasscompositions which may generally include a combination of SiO₂ and oneor more alkali oxides, such as Na₂O and/or K₂O. The glass compositionmay also include Al₂O₃ and at least one alkaline earth oxide. In someembodiments, the glass compositions may be free from boron and compoundscontaining boron. The glass compositions are resistant to chemicaldegradation and are also suitable for chemical strengthening by ionexchange. In some embodiments the glass compositions may furthercomprise minor amounts of one or more additional oxides such as, forexample, SnO₂, ZrO₂, ZnO, TiO₂, As₂O₃ or the like. These components maybe added as fining agents and/or to further enhance the chemicaldurability of the glass composition.

In the embodiments of the glass compositions described herein SiO₂ isthe largest constituent of the composition and, as such, is the primaryconstituent of the resulting glass network. SiO₂ enhances the chemicaldurability of the glass and, in particular, the resistance of the glasscomposition to decomposition in acid and the resistance of the glasscomposition to decomposition in water. Accordingly, a high SiO₂concentration is generally desired. However, if the content of SiO₂ istoo high, the formability of the glass may be diminished as higherconcentrations of SiO₂ increase the difficulty of melting the glasswhich, in turn, adversely impacts the formability of the glass. In theembodiments described herein, the glass composition generally comprisesSiO₂ in an amount greater than or equal to 67 mol. % and less than orequal to about 80 mol. % or even less than or equal to 78 mol. %. Insome embodiments, the amount of SiO₂ in the glass composition may begreater than about 68 mol. %, greater than about 69 mol. % or evengreater than about 70 mol. %. In some other embodiments, the amount ofSiO₂ in the glass composition may be greater than 72 mol. %, greaterthan 73 mol. % or even greater than 74 mol. %. For example, in someembodiments, the glass composition may include from about 68 mol. % toabout 80 mol. % or even to about 78 mol. % SiO₂. In some otherembodiments the glass composition may include from about 69 mol. % toabout 80 mol. % or even to about 78 mol. % SiO₂. In some otherembodiments the glass composition may include from about 70 mol. % toabout 80 mol. % or even to about 78 mol. % SiO₂. In still otherembodiments, the glass composition comprises SiO₂ in an amount greaterthan or equal to 70 mol. % and less than or equal to 78 mol. %. In someembodiments, SiO₂ may be present in the glass composition in an amountfrom about 72 mol. % to about 78 mol. %. In some other embodiments, SiO₂may be present in the glass composition in an amount from about 73 mol.% to about 78 mol. %. In other embodiments, SiO₂ may be present in theglass composition in an amount from about 74 mol. % to about 78 mol. %.In still other embodiments, SiO₂ may be present in the glass compositionin an amount from about 70 mol. % to about 76 mol. %.

The glass compositions described herein may further include Al₂O₃.Al₂O₃, in conjunction with alkali oxides present in the glasscompositions such as Na₂O or the like, improves the susceptibility ofthe glass to ion exchange strengthening. In the embodiments describedherein, Al₂O₃ is present in the glass compositions in X mol. % while thealkali oxides are present in the glass composition in Y mol. %. Theratio Y:X in the glass compositions described herein is greater than 1in order to facilitate the aforementioned susceptibility to ion exchangestrengthening. Specifically, the diffusion coefficient or diffusivity Dof the glass composition relates to the rate at which alkali ionspenetrate into the glass surface during ion exchange. Glasses which havea ratio Y:X greater than about 0.9 or even greater than about 1 have agreater diffusivity than glasses which have a ratio Y:X less than 0.9.Glasses in which the alkali ions have a greater diffusivity can obtain agreater depth of layer for a given ion exchange time and ion exchangetemperature than glasses in which the alkali ions have a lowerdiffusivity. Moreover, as the ratio of Y:X increases, the strain point,anneal point, and softening point of the glass decrease, such that theglass is more readily formable. In addition, for a given ion exchangetime and ion exchange temperature, it has been found that compressivestresses induced in glasses which have a ratio Y:X greater than about0.9 and less than or equal to 2 are generally greater than thosegenerated in glasses in which the ratio Y:X is less than 0.9 or greaterthan 2. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the ratio of Y:X is greaterthan 0.9 or even greater than 1. In some embodiments, the ratio of Y:Xis greater than 0.9, or even greater than 1, and less than or equal toabout 2. In still other embodiments, the ratio of Y:X may be greaterthan or equal to about 1.3 and less than or equal to about 2.0 in orderto maximize the amount of compressive stress induced in the glass for aspecified ion exchange time and a specified ion exchange temperature.

However, if the amount of Al₂O₃ in the glass composition is too high,the resistance of the glass composition to acid attack is diminished.Accordingly, the glass compositions described herein generally includeAl₂O₃ in an amount greater than or equal to about 2 mol. % and less thanor equal to about 10 mol. %. In some embodiments, the amount of Al₂O₃ inthe glass composition is greater than or equal to about 4 mol. % andless than or equal to about 8 mol. %. In some other embodiments, theamount of Al₂O₃ in the glass composition is greater than or equal toabout 5 mol. % to less than or equal to about 7 mol. %. In some otherembodiments, the amount of Al₂O₃ in the glass composition is greaterthan or equal to about 6 mol. % to less than or equal to about 8 mol. %.In still other embodiments, the amount of Al₂O₃ in the glass compositionis greater than or equal to about 5 mol. % to less than or equal toabout 6 mol. %.

The glass compositions also include one or more alkali oxides such asNa₂O and/or K₂O. The alkali oxides facilitate the ion exchangeability ofthe glass composition and, as such, facilitate chemically strengtheningthe glass. The alkali oxide may include one or more of Na₂O and K₂O. Thealkali oxides are generally present in the glass composition in a totalconcentration of Y mol. %. In some embodiments described herein, Y maybe greater than about 2 mol. % and less than or equal to about 18 mol.%. In some other embodiments, Y may be greater than about 8 mol. %,greater than about 9 mol. %, greater than about 10 mol. % or evengreater than about 11 mol. %. For example, in some embodiments describedherein Y is greater than or equal to about 8 mol. % and less than orequal to about 18 mol. %. In still other embodiments, Y may be greaterthan or equal to about 9 mol. % and less than or equal to about 14 mol.%.

The ion exchangeability of the glass composition is primarily impartedto the glass composition by the amount of the alkali oxide Na₂Oinitially present in the glass composition prior to ion exchange.Accordingly, in the embodiments of the glass compositions describedherein, the alkali oxide present in the glass composition includes atleast Na₂O. Specifically, in order to achieve the desired compressivestrength and depth of layer in the glass composition upon ion exchangestrengthening, the glass compositions include Na₂O in an amount fromabout 2 mol. % to about 15 mol. % based on the molecular weight of theglass composition. In some embodiments the glass composition includes atleast about 8 mol. % of Na₂O based on the molecular weight of the glasscomposition. For example, the concentration of Na₂O may be greater than9 mol. %, greater than 10 mol. % or even greater than 11 mol. %. In someembodiments, the concentration of Na₂O may be greater than or equal to 9mol. % or even greater than or equal to 10 mol. %. For example, in someembodiments the glass composition may include Na₂O in an amount greaterthan or equal to about 9 mol. % and less than or equal to about 15 mol.% or even greater than or equal to about 9 mol. % and less than or equalto 13 mol. %.

As noted above, the alkali oxide in the glass composition may furtherinclude K₂O. The amount of K₂O present in the glass composition alsorelates to the ion exchangeability of the glass composition.Specifically, as the amount of K₂O present in the glass compositionincreases, the compressive stress obtainable through ion exchangedecreases as a result of the exchange of potassium and sodium ions.Accordingly, it is desirable to limit the amount of K₂O present in theglass composition. In some embodiments, the amount of K₂O is greaterthan or equal to 0 mol. % and less than or equal to 3 mol. %. In someembodiments, the amount of K₂O is less or equal to 2 mol. % or even lessthan or equal to 1.0 mol. %. In embodiments where the glass compositionincludes K₂O, the K₂O may be present in a concentration greater than orequal to about 0.01 mol. % and less than or equal to about 3.0 mol. % oreven greater than or equal to about 0.01 mol. % and less than or equalto about 2.0 mol. %. In some embodiments, the amount of K₂O present inthe glass composition is greater than or equal to about 0.01 mol. % andless than or equal to about 1.0 mol. %. Accordingly, it should beunderstood that K₂O need not be present in the glass composition.However, when K₂O is included in the glass composition, the amount ofK₂O is generally less than about 3 mol. % based on the molecular weightof the glass composition.

Alkaline earth oxides may be present in the composition to improve themeltability of the glass batch materials and increase the chemicaldurability of the glass composition. In the glass compositions describedherein, the total mol. % of alkaline earth oxides present in the glasscompositions is generally less than the total mol. % of alkali oxidespresent in the glass compositions in order to improve the ionexchangeability of the glass composition. In the embodiments describedherein, the glass compositions generally include from about 3 mol. % toabout 13 mol. % of alkaline earth oxide. In some of these embodiments,the amount of alkaline earth oxide in the glass composition may be fromabout 4 mol. % to about 8 mol. % or even from about 4 mol. % to about 7mol. %.

The alkaline earth oxide in the glass composition may include MgO, CaO,SrO, BaO or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the alkalineearth oxide includes MgO, CaO or combinations thereof. For example, inthe embodiments described herein the alkaline earth oxide includes MgO.MgO is present in the glass composition in an amount which is greaterthan or equal to about 3 mol. % and less than or equal to about 8 mol. %MgO. In some embodiments, MgO may be present in the glass composition inan amount which is greater than or equal to about 3 mol. % and less thanor equal to about 7 mol. % or even greater than or equal to 4 mol. % andless than or equal to about 7 mol. % by molecular weight of the glasscomposition.

In some embodiments, the alkaline earth oxide may further include CaO.In these embodiments CaO is present in the glass composition in anamount from about 0 mol. % to less than or equal to 6 mol. % bymolecular weight of the glass composition. For example, the amount ofCaO present in the glass composition may be less than or equal to 5 mol.%, less than or equal to 4 mol. %, less than or equal to 3 mol. %, oreven less than or equal to 2 mol. %. In some of these embodiments, CaOmay be present in the glass composition in an amount greater than orequal to about 0.1 mol. % and less than or equal to about 1.0 mol. %.For example, CaO may be present in the glass composition in an amountgreater than or equal to about 0.2 mol. % and less than or equal toabout 0.7 mol. % or even in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.3mol. % and less than or equal to about 0.6 mol. %.

In the embodiments described herein, the glass compositions aregenerally rich in MgO, (i.e., the concentration of MgO in the glasscomposition is greater than the concentration of the other alkalineearth oxides in the glass composition including, without limitation,CaO). Forming the glass composition such that the glass composition isMgO-rich improves the hydrolytic resistance of the resultant glass,particularly following ion exchange strengthening. Moreover, glasscompositions which are MgO-rich generally exhibit improved ion exchangeperformance relative to glass compositions which are rich in otheralkaline earth oxides. Specifically, glasses formed from MgO-rich glasscompositions generally have a greater diffusivity than glasscompositions which are rich in other alkaline earth oxides, such as CaO.The greater diffusivity enables the formation of a deeper depth of layerin the glass. MgO-rich glass compositions also enable a highercompressive stress to be achieved in the surface of the glass comparedto glass compositions which are rich in other alkaline earth oxides suchas CaO. In addition, it is generally understood that as the ion exchangeprocess proceeds and alkali ions penetrate more deeply into the glass,the maximum compressive stress achieved at the surface of the glass maydecrease with time. However, glasses formed from glass compositionswhich are MgO-rich exhibit a lower reduction in compressive stress thanglasses formed from glass compositions that are CaO-rich or rich inother alkaline earth oxides (i.e., glasses which are MgO-poor). Thus,MgO-rich glass compositions enable glasses which have higher compressivestress at the surface and greater depths of layer than glasses which arerich in other alkaline earth oxides.

In order to fully realize the benefits of MgO in the glass compositionsdescribed herein, it has been determined that the ratio of theconcentration of CaO to the sum of the concentration of CaO and theconcentration of MgO in mol. % (i.e., (CaO/(CaO+MgO)) should beminimized. Specifically, it has been determined that (CaO/(CaO+MgO))should be less than or equal to 0.5. In some embodiments (CaO/(CaO+MgO))is less than or equal to 0.3 or even less than or equal to 0.2. In someother embodiments (CaO/(CaO+MgO)) may even be less than or equal to 0.1.

Boron oxide (B₂O₃) is a flux which may be added to glass compositions toreduce the viscosity at a given temperature (e.g., the strain, annealand softening temperatures) thereby improving the formability of theglass. However, it has been found that additions of boron significantlydecrease the diffusivity of sodium and potassium ions in the glasscomposition which, in turn, adversely impacts the ion exchangeperformance of the resultant glass. In particular, it has been foundthat additions of boron significantly increase the time required toachieve a given depth of layer relative to glass compositions which areboron free. Accordingly, in some embodiments described herein, theamount of boron added to the glass composition is minimized in order toimprove the ion exchange performance of the glass composition.

For example, it has been determined that the impact of boron on the ionexchange performance of a glass composition can be mitigated bycontrolling the ratio of the concentration of B₂O₃ to the differencebetween the total concentration of the alkali oxides (i.e., R₂O, where Ris the alkali metals) and alumina (i.e., B₂O₃ (mol. %)/(R₂O (mol.%)−Al₂O₃ (mol. %)). In particular, it has been determined that when theratio of B₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃) is greater than or equal to about 0 and lessthan about 0.3 or even less than about 0.2, the diffusivities of alkalioxides in the glass compositions are not diminished and, as such, theion exchange performance of the glass composition is maintained.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the ratio of B₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃) isgreater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.3. In some of theseembodiments, the ratio of B₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃) is greater than 0 and lessthan or equal to 0.2. In some embodiments, the ratio of B₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃)is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.15 or even less than orequal to 0.1. In some other embodiments, the ratio of B₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃)may be greater than 0 and less than or equal to 0.05. Maintaining theratio B₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃) to be less than or equal to 0.3 or even less thanor equal to 0.2 permits the inclusion of B₂O₃ to lower the strain point,anneal point and softening point of the glass composition without theB₂O₃ adversely impacting the ion exchange performance of the glass.

In the embodiments described herein, the concentration of B₂O₃ in theglass composition is generally less than or equal to about 4 mol. %,less than or equal to about 3 mol. %, less than or equal to about 2 mol.%, or even less than or equal to 1 mol. %. For example, in embodimentswhere B₂O₃ is present in the glass composition, the concentration ofB₂O₃ may be greater than about 0.01 mol. % and less than or equal to 4mol. %. In some of these embodiments, the concentration of B₂O₃ may begreater than about 0.01 mol. % and less than or equal to 3 mol. % Insome embodiments, the B₂O₃ may be present in an amount greater than orequal to about 0.01 mol. % and less than or equal to 2 mol. %, or evenless than or equal to 1.5 mol. %. Alternatively, the B₂O₃ may be presentin an amount greater than or equal to about 1 mol. % and less than orequal to 4 mol. %, greater than or equal to about 1 mol. % and less thanor equal to 3 mol. % or even greater than or equal to about 1 mol. % andless than or equal to 2 mol. %. In some of these embodiments, theconcentration of B₂O₃ may be greater than or equal to about 0.1 mol. %and less than or equal to 1.0 mol. %.

While in some embodiments the concentration of B₂O₃ in the glasscomposition is minimized to improve the forming properties of the glasswithout detracting from the ion exchange performance of the glass, insome other embodiments the glass compositions are free from boron andcompounds of boron such as B₂O₃. Specifically, it has been determinedthat forming the glass composition without boron or compounds of boronimproves the ion exchangeability of the glass compositions by reducingthe process time and/or temperature required to achieve a specific valueof compressive stress and/or depth of layer.

In some embodiments of the glass compositions described herein, theglass compositions are free from phosphorous and compounds containingphosphorous including, without limitation, P₂O₅. Specifically, it hasbeen determined that formulating the glass composition withoutphosphorous or compounds of phosphorous increases the chemicaldurability of the glass composition.

In addition to the SiO₂, Al₂O₃, alkali oxides and alkaline earth oxides,the glass compositions described herein may optionally further compriseone or more fining agents such as, for example, SnO₂, As₂O₃, and/or Cl⁻(from NaCl or the like). When a fining agent is present in the glasscomposition, the fining agent may be present in an amount less than orequal to about 1 mol. % or even less than or equal to about 0.4 mol. %.For example, in some embodiments the glass composition may include SnO₂as a fining agent. In these embodiments SnO₂ may be present in the glasscomposition in an amount greater than about 0 mol. % and less than orequal to about 1 mol. % or even an amount greater than or equal to about0.01 mol. % and less than or equal to about 0.30 mol. %.

Moreover, the glass compositions described herein may comprise one ormore additional metal oxides to further improve the chemical durabilityof the glass composition. For example, the glass composition may furtherinclude ZnO, TiO₂, or ZrO₂, each of which further improves theresistance of the glass composition to chemical attack. In theseembodiments, the additional metal oxide may be present in an amountwhich is greater than or equal to about 0 mol. % and less than or equalto about 2 mol. %. For example, when the additional metal oxide is ZnO,the ZnO may be present in an amount greater than or equal to 1 mol. %and less than or equal to about 2 mol. %. When the additional metaloxide is ZrO₂ or TiO₂, the ZrO₂ or TiO₂ may be present in an amount lessthan or equal to about 1 mol. %.

As noted above, the presence of alkali oxides in the glass compositionfacilitates chemically strengthening the glass by ion exchange.Specifically, alkali ions, such as potassium ions, sodium ions and thelike, are sufficiently mobile in the glass to facilitate ion exchange.In some embodiments, the glass composition is ion exchangeable to form acompressive stress layer having a depth of layer greater than or equalto 10 μm . In some embodiments, the depth of layer may be greater thanor equal to about 25 μm or even greater than or equal to about 50 μm. Insome other embodiments, the depth of the layer may be greater than orequal to 75 μm or even greater than or equal to 100 μm. In still otherembodiments, the depth of layer may be greater than or equal to 10 μmand less than or equal to about 100 μm. The associated surfacecompressive stress may be greater than or equal to about 250 MPa,greater than or equal to 300 MPa or even greater than or equal to about350 MPa after the glass composition is treated in a salt bath of 100%molten KNO₃ at a temperature of 350° C. to 500° C. for a time period ofless than about 30 hours or even about less than 20 hours.

The glass articles formed from the glass compositions described hereinmay have a hydrolytic resistance of HGB2 or even HGB1 under ISO 719and/or a hydrolytic resistance of HGA2 or even HGA1 under ISO 720 (asdescribed further herein) in addition to having improved mechanicalcharacteristics due to ion exchange strengthening. In some embodimentsdescribed herein the glass articles may have compressive stress layerswhich extend from the surface into the glass article to a depth of layergreater than or equal to 25 μm or even greater than or equal to 35 μm.In some embodiments, the depth of layer may be greater than or equal to40 μm or even greater than or equal to 50 μm. The surface compressivestress of the glass article may be greater than or equal to 250 MPa,greater than or equal to 350 MPa, or even greater than or equal to 400MPa. The glass compositions described herein facilitate achieving theaforementioned depths of layer and surface compressive stresses morerapidly and/or at lower temperatures than conventional glasscompositions due to the enhanced alkali ion diffusivity of the glasscompositions as described hereinabove. For example, the depths of layer(i.e., greater than or equal to 25 μm ) and the compressive stresses(i.e., greater than or equal to 250 MPa) may be achieved by ionexchanging the glass article in a molten salt bath of 100% KNO₃ (or amixed salt bath of KNO₃ and NaNO₃) for a time period of less than orequal to 5 hours, or even less than or equal to 4.5 hours, at atemperature less than or equal to 500° C. or even less than or equal to450° C. In some embodiments, the time period for achieving these depthsof layer and compressive stresses may be less than or equal to 4 hoursor even less than or equal to 3.5 hours. The temperature for achievingthese depths of layers and compressive stresses may be less than orequal to 400° C. or even less than or equal to 350° C.

These improved ion exchange characteristics can be achieved when theglass composition has a threshold diffusivity of greater than about 16μm²/hr at a temperature less than or equal to 450° C. or even greaterthan or equal to 20 μm²/hr at a temperature less than or equal to 450°C. In some embodiments, the threshold diffusivity may be greater than orequal to about 25 μm²/hr at a temperature less than or equal to 450° C.or even 30 μm²/hr at a temperature less than or equal to 450° C. In someother embodiments, the threshold diffusivity may be greater than orequal to about 35 μm²/hr at a temperature less than or equal to 450° C.or even 40 μm²/hr at a temperature less than or equal to 450° C. Instill other embodiments, the threshold diffusivity may be greater thanor equal to about 45 μm²/hr at a temperature less than or equal to 450°C. or even 50 μm²/hr at a temperature less than or equal to 450° C.

The glass compositions described herein may generally have a strainpoint greater than or equal to about 525° C. and less than or equal toabout 650° C. The glasses may also have an anneal point greater than orequal to about 560° C. and less than or equal to about 725° C. and asoftening point greater than or equal to about 750° C. and less than orequal to about 960° C.

In the embodiments described herein the glass compositions have a CTE ofless than about 70×10⁻⁷K⁻¹ or even less than about 60×10⁻⁷K⁻¹. Theselower CTE values improve the survivability of the glass to thermalcycling or thermal stress conditions relative to glass compositions withhigher CTEs.

Further, as noted hereinabove, the glass compositions are chemicallydurable and resistant to degradation as determined by the DIN 12116standard, the ISO 695 standard, and the ISO 720 standard.

Specifically, the DIN 12116 standard is a measure of the resistance ofthe glass to decomposition when placed in an acidic solution. In brief,the DIN 12116 standard utilizes a polished glass sample of a knownsurface area which is weighed and then positioned in contact with aproportional amount of boiling 6M hydrochloric acid for 6 hours. Thesample is then removed from the solution, dried and weighed again. Theglass mass lost during exposure to the acidic solution is a measure ofthe acid durability of the sample with smaller numbers indicative ofgreater durability. The results of the test are reported in units ofhalf-mass per surface area, specifically mg/dm². The DIN 12116 standardis broken into individual classes. Class 51 indicates weight losses ofup to 0.7 mg/dm²; Class S2 indicates weight losses from 0.7 mg/dm² up to1.5 mg/dm²; Class S3 indicates weight losses from 1.5 mg/dm² up to 15mg/dm²; and Class S4 indicates weight losses of more than 15 mg/dm².

The ISO 695 standard is a measure of the resistance of the glass todecomposition when placed in a basic solution. In brief, the ISO 695standard utilizes a polished glass sample which is weighed and thenplaced in a solution of boiling 1M NaOH+0.5M Na₂CO₃ for 3 hours. Thesample is then removed from the solution, dried and weighed again. Theglass mass lost during exposure to the basic solution is a measure ofthe base durability of the sample with smaller numbers indicative ofgreater durability. As with the DIN 12116 standard, the results of theISO 695 standard are reported in units of mass per surface area,specifically mg/dm². The ISO 695 standard is broken into individualclasses. Class A1 indicates weight losses of up to 75 mg/dm²; Class A2indicates weight losses from 75 mg/dm² up to 175 mg/dm²; and Class A3indicates weight losses of more than 175 mg/dm².

The ISO 720 standard is a measure of the resistance of the glass todegradation in purified, CO₂-free water. In brief, the ISO 720 standardprotocol utilizes crushed glass grains which are placed in contact withthe purified, CO₂-free water under autoclave conditions (121° C., 2 atm)for 30 minutes. The solution is then titrated colorimetrically withdilute HCl to neutral pH. The amount of HCl required to titrate to aneutral solution is then converted to an equivalent of Na₂O extractedfrom the glass and reported in μg Na₂O per weight of glass with smallervalues indicative of greater durability. The ISO 720 standard is brokeninto individual types. Type HGA1 is indicative of up to 62 μg extractedequivalent of Na₂O per gram of glass tested; Type HGA2 is indicative ofmore than 62 μg and up to 527 μg extracted equivalent of Na₂O per gramof glass tested; and Type HGA3 is indicative of more than 527 μg and upto 930 μg extracted equivalent of Na₂O per gram of glass tested.

The ISO 719 standard is a measure of the resistance of the glass todegradation in purified, CO₂-free water. In brief, the ISO 719 standardprotocol utilizes crushed glass grains which are placed in contact withthe purified, CO₂-free water at a temperature of 98° C. at 1 atmospherefor 30 minutes. The solution is then titrated colorimetrically withdilute HCl to neutral pH. The amount of HCl required to titrate to aneutral solution is then converted to an equivalent of Na₂O extractedfrom the glass and reported in μg Na₂O per weight of glass with smallervalues indicative of greater durability. The ISO 719 standard is brokeninto individual types. The ISO 719 standard is broken into individualtypes. Type HGB1 is indicative of up to 31 μg extracted equivalent ofNa₂O; Type HGB2 is indicative of more than 31 μg and up to 62 μgextracted equivalent of Na₂O; Type HGB3 is indicative of more than 62 μgand up to 264 μg extracted equivalent of Na₂O; Type HGB4 is indicativeof more than 264 μg and up to 620 μg extracted equivalent of Na₂O; andType HGB5 is indicative of more than 620 μg and up to 1085 μg extractedequivalent of Na₂O. The glass compositions described herein have an ISO719 hydrolytic resistance of type HGB2 or better with some embodimentshaving a type HGB1 hydrolytic resistance.

The glass compositions described herein have an acid resistance of atleast class S3 according to DIN 12116 both before and after ion exchangestrengthening with some embodiments having an acid resistance of atleast class S2 or even class 51 following ion exchange strengthening. Insome other embodiments, the glass compositions may have an acidresistance of at least class S2 both before and after ion exchangestrengthening with some embodiments having an acid resistance of class51 following ion exchange strengthening. Further, the glass compositionsdescribed herein have a base resistance according to ISO 695 of at leastclass A2 before and after ion exchange strengthening with someembodiments having a class A1 base resistance at least after ionexchange strengthening. The glass compositions described herein alsohave an ISO 720 type HGA2 hydrolytic resistance both before and afterion exchange strengthening with some embodiments having a type HGA1hydrolytic resistance after ion exchange strengthening and some otherembodiments having a type HGA1 hydrolytic resistance both before andafter ion exchange strengthening. The glass compositions describedherein have an ISO 719 hydrolytic resistance of type HGB2 or better withsome embodiments having a type HGB1 hydrolytic resistance. It should beunderstood that, when referring to the above referenced classificationsaccording to DIN 12116, ISO 695, ISO 720 and ISO 719, a glasscomposition or glass article which has “at least” a specifiedclassification means that the performance of the glass composition is asgood as or better than the specified classification. For example, aglass article which has a DIN 12116 acid resistance of “at least classS2” may have a DIN 12116 classification of either S1 or S2.

The glass compositions described herein are formed by mixing a batch ofglass raw materials (e.g., powders of SiO₂, Al₂O₃, alkali oxides,alkaline earth oxides and the like) such that the batch of glass rawmaterials has the desired composition. Thereafter, the batch of glassraw materials is heated to form a molten glass composition which issubsequently cooled and solidified to form the glass composition. Duringsolidification (i.e., when the glass composition is plasticallydeformable) the glass composition may be shaped using standard formingtechniques to shape the glass composition into a desired final form.Alternatively, the glass article may be shaped into a stock form, suchas a sheet, tube or the like, and subsequently reheated and formed intothe desired final form.

The glass compositions described herein may be shaped into glassarticles having various forms such as, for example, sheets, tubes or thelike. However, given the chemical durability of the glass composition,the glass compositions described herein are particularly well suited foruse in the formation of glass articles used as pharmaceutical packagesor pharmaceutical containers for containing pharmaceutical compositions,such as liquids, powders and the like. For example, the glasscompositions described herein may be used to form glass containershaving various shape forms including, without limitation, Vacutainers®,cartridges, syringes, ampoules, bottles, flasks, phials, tubes, beakers,vials or the like. Moreover, the ability to chemically strengthen theglass compositions through ion exchange can be utilized to improve themechanical durability of such pharmaceutical packaging or glass articlesformed from the glass composition. Accordingly, it should be understoodthat, in at least one embodiment, the glass compositions areincorporated in a pharmaceutical package in order to improve thechemical durability and/or the mechanical durability of thepharmaceutical packaging.

EXAMPLES

The embodiments of the glass compositions described herein will befurther clarified by the following examples.

Example 1

Six exemplary inventive glass compositions (compositions A-F) wereprepared. The specific compositions of each exemplary glass compositionare reported below in Table 1. Multiple samples of each exemplary glasscomposition were produced. One set of samples of each composition wasion exchanged in a molten salt bath of 100% KNO₃ at a temperature of450° C. for at least 5 hours to induce a compressive layer in thesurface of the sample. The compressive layer had a surface compressivestress of at least 500 MPa and a depth of layer of at least 45 μm.

The chemical durability of each exemplary glass composition was thendetermined utilizing the DIN 12116 standard, the ISO 695 standard, andthe ISO 720 standard described above. Specifically, non-ion exchangedtest samples of each exemplary glass composition were subjected totesting according to one of the DIN 12116 standard, the ISO 695standard, or the ISO 720 standard to determine the acid resistance, thebase resistance or the hydrolytic resistance of the test sample,respectively. The hydrolytic resistance of the ion exchanged samples ofeach exemplary composition was determined according to the ISO 720standard. To determine the hydrolytic resistance of the ion exchangedsamples, the glass was crushed to the grain size required in the ISO 720standard, ion exchanged ion exchanged in a molten salt bath of 100% KNO₃at a temperature of 450° C. for at least 5 hours to induce a compressivestress layer in the individual grains of glass, and then testedaccording to the ISO 720 standard. The average results of all samplestested are reported below in Table 1.

As shown in Table 1, exemplary glass compositions A-F all demonstrated aglass mass loss of less than 5 mg/dm² and greater than 1 mg/dm²following testing according to the DIN 12116 standard with exemplaryglass composition E having the lowest glass mass loss at 1.2 mg/dm².Accordingly, each of the exemplary glass compositions were classified inat least class S3 of the DIN 12116 standard, with exemplary glasscomposition E classified in class S2. Based on these test results, it isbelieved that the acid resistance of the glass samples improves withincreased SiO₂ content.

Further, exemplary glass compositions A-F all demonstrated a glass massloss of less than 80 mg/dm² following testing according to the ISO 695standard with exemplary glass composition A having the lowest glass massloss at 60 mg/dm². Accordingly, each of the exemplary glass compositionswere classified in at least class A2 of the ISO 695 standard, withexemplary glass compositions A, B, D and F classified in class A1. Ingeneral, compositions with higher silica content exhibited lower baseresistance and compositions with higher alkali/alkaline earth contentexhibited greater base resistance.

Table 1 also shows that the non-ion exchanged test samples of exemplaryglass compositions A-F all demonstrated a hydrolytic resistance of atleast Type HGA2 following testing according to the ISO 720 standard withexemplary glass compositions C-F having a hydrolytic resistance of TypeHGA1. The hydrolytic resistance of exemplary glass compositions C-F isbelieved to be due to higher amounts of SiO₂ and the lower amounts ofNa₂O in the glass compositions relative to exemplary glass compositionsA and B.

Moreover, the ion exchanged test samples of exemplary glass compositionsB-F demonstrated lower amounts of extracted Na₂O per gram of glass thanthe non-ion exchanged test samples of the same exemplary glasscompositions following testing according to the ISO 720 standard.

TABLE 1 Composition and Properties of Exemplary Glass CompositionsComposition in mole % A B C D E F SiO₂ 70.8 72.8 74.8 76.8 76.8 77.4Al₂O₃ 7.5 7 6.5 6 6 7 Na₂O 13.7 12.7 11.7 10.7 11.6 10 K₂O 1 1 1 1 0.10.1 MgO 6.3 5.8 5.3 4.8 4.8 4.8 CaO 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 SnO₂ 0.2 0.20.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 DIN 12116 3.2 2.0 1.7 1.6 1.2 1.7 (mg/dm²)classification S3 S3 S3 S3 S2 S3 ISO 695 60.7 65.4 77.9 71.5 76.5 62.4(mg/dm²) classification A1 A1 A2 A1 A2 A1 ISO 720 100.7 87.0 54.8 57.550.7 37.7 (μg Na₂O/ g glass) classification HGA2 HGA2 HGA1 HGA1 HGA1HGA1 ISO 720 60.3 51.9 39.0 30.1 32.9 23.3 (with IX) (μg Na₂O/ g glass)classification HGA1 HGA1 HGA1 HGA1 HGA1 HGA1

Example 2

Three exemplary inventive glass compositions (compositions G-I) andthree comparative glass compositions (compositions 1-3) were prepared.The ratio of alkali oxides to alumina (i.e., Y:X) was varied in each ofthe compositions in order to assess the effect of this ratio on variousproperties of the resultant glass melt and glass. The specificcompositions of each of the exemplary inventive glass compositions andthe comparative glass compositions are reported in Table 2. The strainpoint, anneal point, and softening point of melts formed from each ofthe glass compositions were determined and are reported in Table 2. Inaddition, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), density, andstress optic coefficient (SOC) of the resultant glasses were alsodetermined and are reported in Table 2. The hydrolytic resistance ofglass samples formed from each exemplary inventive glass composition andeach comparative glass composition was determined according to the ISO720 Standard both before ion exchange and after ion exchange in a moltensalt bath of 100% KNO₃ at 450° C. for 5 hours. For those samples thatwere ion exchanged, the compressive stress was determined with afundamental stress meter (FSM) instrument, with the compressive stressvalue based on the measured stress optical coefficient (SOC). The FSMinstrument couples light into and out of the birefringent glass surface.The measured birefringence is then related to stress through a materialconstant, the stress-optic or photoelastic coefficient (SOC or PEC) andtwo parameters are obtained: the maximum surface compressive stress (CS)and the exchanged depth of layer (DOL). The diffusivity of the alkaliions in the glass and the change in stress per square root of time werealso determined. The diffusivity (D) of the glass is calculated from themeasured depth of layer (DOL) and the ion exchange time (t) according tothe relationship: DOL=˜1.4*sqrt(4*D*t). Diffusivity increases withtemperature according to an Arrhenius relationship, and, as such, it isreported at a specific temperature.

TABLE 2 Glass properties as a function of alkali to alumina ratioComposition Mole % G H I 1 2 3 SiO₂ 76.965 76.852 76.962 76.919 76.96077.156 Al₂O₃ 5.943 6.974 7.958 8.950 4.977 3.997 Na₂O 11.427 10.4739.451 8.468 12.393 13.277 K₂O 0.101 0.100 0.102 0.105 0.100 0.100 MgO4.842 4.878 4.802 4.836 4.852 4.757 CaO 0.474 0.478 0.481 0.480 0.4680.462 SnO₂ 0.198 0.195 0.197 0.197 0.196 0.196 Strain (° C.) 578 616 654683 548 518 Anneal (° C.) 633 674 716 745 600 567 Softening (° C.) 892946 1003 1042 846 798 Expansion (10⁻⁷ K⁻¹) 67.3 64.3 59.3 55.1 71.8 74.6Density (g/cm³) 2.388 2.384 2.381 2.382 2.392 2.396 SOC (nm/mm/Mpa)3.127 3.181 3.195 3.232 3.066 3.038 ISO720 (non-IX) 88.4 60.9 47.3 38.4117.1 208.1 ISO720 (IX450° C.-5 hr) 25.3 26 20.5 17.8 57.5 102.5R₂O/Al₂O₃ 1.940 1.516 1.200 0.958 2.510 3.347 CS@t = 0 (MPa) 708 743 738655 623 502 CS/√t (MPa/hr^(1/2)) −35 −24 −14 −7 −44 −37 D (μm²/hr) 52.053.2 50.3 45.1 51.1 52.4

The data in Table 2 indicates that the alkali to alumina ratio Y:Xinfluences the melting behavior, hydrolytic resistance, and thecompressive stress obtainable through ion exchange strengthening. Inparticular, FIG. 1 graphically depicts the strain point, anneal point,and softening point as a function of Y:X ratio for the glasscompositions of Table 2. FIG. 1 demonstrates that, as the ratio of Y:Xdecreases below 0.9, the strain point, anneal point, and softening pointof the glass rapidly increase. Accordingly, to obtain a glass which isreadily meltable and formable, the ratio Y:X should be greater than orequal to 0.9 or even greater than or equal to 1.

Further, the data in Table 2 indicates that the diffusivity of the glasscompositions generally decreases with the ratio of Y:X. Accordingly, toachieve glasses that can be rapidly ion exchanged in order to reduceprocess times (and costs) the ratio of Y:X should be greater than orequal to 0.9 or even greater than or equal to 1.

Moreover, FIG. 2 indicates that for a given ion exchange time and ionexchange temperature, the maximum compressive stresses are obtained whenthe ratio of Y:X is greater than or equal to about 0.9, or even greaterthan or equal to about 1, and less than or equal to about 2,specifically greater than or equal to about 1.3 and less than or equalto about 2.0. Accordingly, the maximum improvement in the load bearingstrength of the glass can be obtained when the ratio of Y:X is greaterthan about 1 and less than or equal to about 2. It is generallyunderstood that the maximum stress achievable by ion exchange will decaywith increasing ion-exchange duration as indicated by the stress changerate (i.e., the measured compressive stress divided by the square rootof the ion exchange time). FIG. 2 generally shows that the stress changerate decreases as the ratio Y:X decreases.

FIG. 3 graphically depicts the hydrolytic resistance (y-axis) as afunction of the ratio Y:X (x-axis). As shown in FIG. 3, the hydrolyticresistance of the glasses generally improves as the ratio Y:X decreases.

Based on the foregoing it should be understood that glasses with goodmelt behavior, superior ion exchange performance, and superiorhydrolytic resistance can be achieved by maintaining the ratio Y:X inthe glass from greater than or equal to about 0.9, or even greater thanor equal to about 1, and less than or equal to about 2.

Example 3

Three exemplary inventive glass compositions (compositions J-L) andthree comparative glass compositions (compositions 4-6) were prepared.The concentration of MgO and CaO in the glass compositions was varied toproduce both MgO-rich compositions (i.e., compositions J-L and 4) andCaO-rich compositions (i.e., compositions 5-6). The relative amounts ofMgO and CaO were also varied such that the glass compositions haddifferent values for the ratio (CaO/(CaO+MgO)). The specificcompositions of each of the exemplary inventive glass compositions andthe comparative glass compositions are reported below in Table 3. Theproperties of each composition were determined as described above withrespect to Example 2.

TABLE 3 Glass properties as function of CaO content Composition Mole % JK L 4 5 6 SiO₂ 76.99 77.10 77.10 77.01 76.97 77.12 Al₂O₃ 5.98 5.97 5.965.96 5.97 5.98 Na₂O 11.38 11.33 11.37 11.38 11.40 11.34 K₂O 0.10 0.100.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 MgO 5.23 4.79 3.78 2.83 1.84 0.09 CaO 0.07 0.45 1.452.46 3.47 5.12 SnO₂ 0.20 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 0.19 Strain (° C.) 585 579568 562 566 561 Anneal (° C.) 641 634 620 612 611 610 Softening (° C.)902 895 872 859 847 834 Expansion (10⁻⁷ K⁻¹) 67.9 67.1 68.1 68.8 69.470.1 Density (g/cm³) 2.384 2.387 2.394 2.402 2.41 2.42 SOC nm/mm/Mpa3.12 3.08 3.04 3.06 3.04 3.01 ISO720 (non-IX) 83.2 83.9 86 86 88.7 96.9ISO720 (IX450° C.-5 hr) 29.1 28.4 33.2 37.3 40.1 Fraction of RO as CaO0.014 0.086 0.277 0.465 0.654 0.982 CS@t = 0 (MPa) 707 717 713 689 693676 CS/√t (MPa/hr^(1/2)) −36 −37 −39 −38 −43 −44 D (μm²/hr) 57.2 50.840.2 31.4 26.4 20.7

FIG. 4 graphically depicts the diffusivity D of the compositions listedin Table 3 as a function of the ratio (CaO/(CaO+MgO)). Specifically,FIG. 4 indicates that as the ratio (CaO/(CaO+MgO)) increases, thediffusivity of alkali ions in the resultant glass decreases therebydiminishing the ion exchange performance of the glass. This trend issupported by the data in Table 3 and FIG. 5. FIG. 5 graphically depictsthe maximum compressive stress and stress change rate (y-axes) as afunction of the ratio (CaO/(CaO+MgO)). FIG. 5 indicates that as theratio (CaO/(CaO+MgO)) increases, the maximum obtainable compressivestress decreases for a given ion exchange temperature and ion exchangetime. FIG. 5 also indicates that as the ratio (CaO/(CaO+MgO)) increases,the stress change rate increases (i.e., becomes more negative and lessdesirable).

Accordingly, based on the data in Table 3 and FIGS. 4 and 5, it shouldbe understood that glasses with higher diffusivities can be produced byminimizing the ratio (CaO/(CaO+MgO)). It has been determined thatglasses with suitable diffusivities can be produced when the(CaO/(CaO+MgO)) ratio is less than about 0.5. The diffusivity values ofthe glass when the (CaO/(CaO+MgO)) ratio is less than about 0.5decreases the ion exchange process times needed to achieve a givencompressive stress and depth of layer. Alternatively, glasses withhigher diffusivities due to the ratio (CaO/(CaO+MgO)) may be used toachieve a higher compressive stress and depth of layer for a given ionexchange temperature and ion exchange time.

Moreover, the data in Table 3 also indicates that decreasing the ratio(CaO/(CaO+MgO)) by increasing the MgO concentration generally improvesthe resistance of the glass to hydrolytic degradation as measured by theISO 720 standard.

Example 4

Three exemplary inventive glass compositions (compositions M-O) andthree comparative glass compositions (compositions 7-9) were prepared.The concentration of B₂O₃ in the glass compositions was varied from 0mol. % to about 4.6 mol. % such that the resultant glasses had differentvalues for the ratio B₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃). The specific compositions of eachof the exemplary inventive glass compositions and the comparative glasscompositions are reported below in Table 4. The properties of each glasscomposition were determined as described above with respect to Examples2 and 3.

TABLE 4 Glass properties as a function of B₂O₃ content Composition Mole% M N O 7 8 9 SiO₂ 76.860 76.778 76.396 74.780 73.843 72.782 Al₂O₃ 5.9645.948 5.919 5.793 5.720 5.867 B₂O₃ 0.000 0.214 0.777 2.840 4.443 4.636Na₂O 11.486 11.408 11.294 11.036 10.580 11.099 K₂O 0.101 0.100 0.1000.098 0.088 0.098 MgO 4.849 4.827 4.801 4.754 4.645 4.817 CaO 0.4920.480 0.475 0.463 0.453 0.465 SnO₂ 0.197 0.192 0.192 0.188 0.183 0.189Strain (° C.) 579 575 572 560 552 548 Anneal (° C.) 632 626 622 606 597590 Softening (° C.) 889 880 873 836 816 801 Expansion (10⁻⁷ K⁻¹) 68.367.4 67.4 65.8 64.1 67.3 Density (g/cm³) 2.388 2.389 2.390 2.394 2.3922.403 SOC (nm/mm/MPa) 3.13 3.12 3.13 3.17 3.21 3.18 ISO720 (non-IX) 86.378.8 68.5 64.4 52.7 54.1 ISO720 (IX450° C.-5 hr) 32.2 30.1 26 24.7 22.626.7 B₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃) 0.000 0.038 0.142 0.532 0.898 0.870 CS@t = 0 (MPa)703 714 722 701 686 734 CS/√t (MPa/hr^(1/2)) −38 −38 −38 −33 −32 −39 D(μm²/hr) 51.7 43.8 38.6 22.9 16.6 15.6

FIG. 6 graphically depicts the diffusivity D (y-axis) of the glasscompositions in Table 4 as a function of the ratio B₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃)(x-axis) for the glass compositions of Table 4. As shown in FIG. 6, thediffusivity of alkali ions in the glass generally decreases as the ratioB₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃) increases.

FIG. 7 graphically depicts the hydrolytic resistance according to theISO 720 standard (y-axis) as a function of the ratio B₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃)(x-axis) for the glass compositions of Table 4. As shown in FIG. 6, thehydrolytic resistance of the glass compositions generally improves asthe ratio B₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃) increases.

Based on FIGS. 6 and 7, it should be understood that minimizing theratio B₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃) improves the diffusivity of alkali ions in theglass thereby improving the ion exchange characteristics of the glass.Further, increasing the ratio B₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃) also generally improvesthe resistance of the glass to hydrolytic degradation. In addition, ithas been found that the resistance of the glass to degradation in acidicsolutions (as measured by the DIN 12116 standard) generally improveswith decreasing concentrations of B₂O₃. Accordingly, it has beendetermined that maintaining the ratio B₂O₃/(R₂O—Al₂O₃) to less than orequal to about 0.3 provides the glass with improved hydrolytic and acidresistances as well as providing for improved ion exchangecharacteristics.

It should now be understood that the glass compositions described hereinexhibit chemical durability as well as mechanical durability followingion exchange. These properties make the glass compositions well suitedfor use in various applications including, without limitation,pharmaceutical packaging materials.

Based on the foregoing, it should now be understood that various aspectsof glass compositions and glass articles formed from glass compositionsare disclosed. According to a first aspect, a glass composition mayinclude: SiO₂ in a concentration greater than about 70 mol. % and Y mol.% alkali oxide. The alkali oxide may include Na₂O in an amount greaterthan about 8 mol. %. The glass composition may be free of boron andcompounds of boron.

In a second aspect, the glass composition of the first aspect includesSiO₂ in an amount greater than or equal to about 72 mol. %.

In a third aspect, the glass composition of the first or second aspectsis free from phosphorous and compounds of phosphorous.

In a fourth aspect, the glass composition of any of the first throughthird aspects further includes X mol. % Al₂O₃, wherein a ratio of Y:X isgreater than 1.

In a fifth aspect, the glass composition of the ratio of Y:X in thefourth aspect is less than or equal to 2.

In a sixth aspect, the glass composition of the amount of Al₂O₃ in thefourth or fifth aspects is greater than or equal to about 2 mol. % andless than or equal to about 10 mol. %.

In a seventh aspect, the glass composition of any of the first throughfifth aspects further includes from about 3 mol. % to about 13 mol. %alkaline earth oxide.

In an eighth aspect, the alkaline earth oxide of the seventh aspectincludes MgO and CaO, the CaO is present in an amount greater than orequal to about 0.1 mol. % and less than or equal to about 1.0 mol. %,and a ratio (CaO (mol. %)/(CaO (mol. %)+MgO (mol. %))) is less than orequal to 0.5.

In a ninth aspect, a glass composition may include greater than about 68mol. % SiO₂; X mol. % Al₂O₃ and Y mol. % alkali oxide; and B₂O₃. Thealkali oxide may include Na₂O in an amount greater than about 8 mol %. Aratio (B₂O₃ (mol. %)/(Y mol. %−X mol. %) may be greater than 0 and lessthan 0.3.

In a tenth aspect, the glass composition of the ninth aspect includesSiO₂ in an amount greater than or equal to about 72 mol. %.

In an eleventh aspect, the glass composition of the ninth aspect or thetenth aspect includes B₂O₃ in an amount greater than or equal to about0.01 mol. % and less than or equal to about 4 mol. %.

In a twelfth aspect, the glass composition of any of the ninth througheleventh aspects, wherein the glass composition has a ratio of Y:X isgreater than 1.

In a thirteenth aspect, the ratio of Y:X of the twelfth aspect is lessthan or equal to 2.

A fourteenth aspect includes the glass composition of any of the ninththrough thirteenth aspects wherein X is greater than or equal to about 2mol. % and less than or equal to about 10 mol. %.

A fifteenth aspect includes the glass composition of any of the ninththrough fourteenth aspects wherein the glass composition is free fromphosphorous and compounds of phosphorous.

A sixteenth aspect includes the glass composition of any of the ninththrough fifteenth aspects, wherein the glass composition furthercomprises MgO and CaO, the CaO is present in an amount greater than orequal to about 0.1 mol. % and less than or equal to about 1.0 mol. %,and a ratio (CaO (mol. %)/(CaO (mol. %)+MgO (mol. %))) is less than orequal to 0.5.

In a seventeenth aspect, a glass article may have a type HGB1 hydrolyticresistance according to ISO 719. The glass article may include greaterthan about 8 mol. % Na₂O and less than about 4 mol. % B₂O₃.

In an eighteenth aspect, the glass article of the seventeenth aspectfurther comprises X mol. % Al₂O₃ and Y mol. % alkali oxide, wherein aratio (B₂O₃ (mol. %)/(Y mol. %−X mol. %) is greater than 0 and less than0.3.

In a nineteenth aspect, the glass article of any of the seventeenththrough eighteenth aspects further comprises a compressive stress layerhaving a surface compressive stress greater than or equal to about 250MPa.

A twentieth aspect includes the glass article of any of the seventeenththrough nineteenth aspects, wherein the glass article has at least aclass S3 acid resistance according to DIN 12116.

A twenty-first aspect includes the glass article of any of theseventeenth through twentieth aspect in which the glass article has atleast a class A2 base resistance according to ISO 695.

A twenty-second aspect includes the glass article of any of theseventeenth through twenty-first aspects wherein the glass article has atype HGA1 hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 720.

In a twenty-third aspect, a glass pharmaceutical package may include:SiO₂ in an amount greater than about 70 mol. %; X mol. % Al₂O₃; and Ymol. % alkali oxide. The alkali oxide may include Na₂O in an amountgreater than about 8 mol. %. A ratio of a concentration of B₂O₃ (mol. %)in the glass pharmaceutical package to (Y mol. %−X mol. %) may be lessthan 0.3. The glass pharmaceutical package may also have a type HGB1hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 719.

A twenty-fourth aspect includes the glass pharmaceutical package of thetwenty-third aspect wherein the amount of SiO₂ is greater than or equalto 72 mol. % and less than or equal to about 78 mol. %.

A twenty-fifth aspect includes the glass pharmaceutical package of thetwenty-third through twenty-fourth aspects wherein X is greater than orequal to about 4 mol. % and less than or equal to about 8 mol. %.

A twenty-sixth aspect includes the glass pharmaceutical package of thetwenty-third through twenty-fifth aspects wherein a ratio of Y:X isgreater than 1.

A twenty-seventh aspect includes the glass pharmaceutical package of thetwenty-third through twenty-sixth aspects, wherein a ratio of Y:X isless than 2.

A twenty-eighth aspect includes the glass pharmaceutical package of thetwenty-third through twenty-seventh aspects which further comprises fromabout 4 mol. % to about 8 mol. % alkaline earth oxide.

A twenty-ninth aspect includes the glass pharmaceutical package of thetwenty-third through twenty-eighth aspects which the further comprisesMgO and CaO, CaO is present in an amount greater than or equal to about0.2 mol. % and less than or equal to about 0.7 mol. % and a ratio (CaO(mol. %)/(CaO (mol. %)+MgO (mol. %))) is less than or equal to 0.5.

A thirtieth aspect includes the glass pharmaceutical package of thetwenty-third through twenty-ninth aspects, wherein the pharmaceuticalpackage has a type HGA1 hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 720.

In a thirty-first aspect, a glass composition may include from about 70mol. % to about 80 mol. % SiO₂; from about 3 mol. % to about 13 mol. %alkaline earth oxide; X mol. % Al₂O₃; and Y mol. % alkali oxide. Thealkali oxide may include Na₂O in an amount greater than about 8 mol. %.A ratio of Y:X may be greater than 1 and the glass composition may befree of boron and compounds of boron.

In a thirty-second aspect, a glass composition may include: from about72 mol. % to about 78 mol. % SiO_(2;) from about 4 mol. % to about 8mol. % alkaline earth oxide; X mol. % Al₂O₃; and Y mol. % alkali oxide.The amount of alkaline earth oxide may be greater than or equal to about4 mol. % and less than or equal to about 8 mol. %. The alkali oxide mayinclude Na₂O in an amount greater than or equal to about 9 mol. % andless than or equal to about 15 mol. %. A ratio of Y:X may be greaterthan 1. The glass composition may be free of boron and compounds ofboron.

In a thirty-third aspect, a glass composition may include: from about 68mol. % to about 80 mol. % SiO_(2;) from about 3 mol. % to about 13 mol.% alkaline earth oxide; X mol. % Al₂O₃; and Y mol. % alkali oxide. Thealkali oxide may include Na₂O in an amount greater than about 8 mol. %.The glass composition may also include B₂O₃. A ratio (B₂O₃ (mol. %)/(Ymol. %−X mol. %) may be greater than 0 and less than 0.3, and a ratio ofY:X may be greater than 1.

In a thirty-fourth aspect, a glass composition may include from about 70mol. % to about 80 mol. % SiO_(2;) from about 3 mol. % to about 13 mol.% alkaline earth oxide; X mol. % Al₂O₃; and Y mol. % alkali oxide. Thealkaline earth oxide may include CaO in an amount greater than or equalto about 0.1 mol. % and less than or equal to about 1.0 mol. %. X may begreater than or equal to about 2 mol. % and less than or equal to about10 mol. %. The alkali oxide may include from about 0.01 mol. % to about1.0 mol. % K₂O. A ratio of Y:X may be greater than 1. The glasscomposition may be free of boron and compounds of boron.

In a thirty-fifth aspect, a glass composition may include SiO₂ in anamount greater than about 70 mol. % and less than or equal to about 80mol. %; from about 3 mol. % to about 13 mol. % alkaline earth oxide; Xmol. % Al₂O₃; and Y mol. % alkali oxide. The alkali oxide may includeNa₂O in an amount greater than about 8 mol. %. A ratio of aconcentration of B₂O₃ (mol. %) in the glass composition to (Y mol. %−Xmol. %) may be less than 0.3. A ratio of Y:X may be greater than 1.

In a thirty-sixth aspect, the glass composition of any of thethirty-first through thirty-fifth aspects wherein the SiO₂ is present inan amount less than or equal to 78 mol. %.

A thirty-seventh aspect includes the glass composition of any ofthirty-first through thirty-sixth aspects, wherein an amount of thealkaline earth oxide is greater than or equal to about 4 mol. % and lessthan or equal to about 8 mol. %.

A thirty-eighth aspect includes the glass composition of any of thethirty-first through thirty-seventh aspects wherein the alkaline earthoxide comprises MgO and CaO and a ratio (CaO (mol. %)/(CaO (mol. %)+MgO(mol. %))) is less than or equal to 0.5.

A thirty-ninth aspect includes the glass composition of any of thethirty-first through thirty eighth aspects, wherein the alkaline earthoxide comprises from about 0.1 mol. % to less than or equal to about 1.0mol. % CaO.

A fortieth aspect includes, the glass composition of any of thethirty-first through thirty-ninth aspects wherein the alkaline earthoxide comprises from about 3 mol. % to about 7 mol. % MgO.

A forty-first aspect includes the glass composition of any of thethirty-first, thirty-second, or thirty-fourth aspects, wherein X isgreater than or equal to about 2 mol. % and less than or equal to about10 mol. %.

A forty-second aspect includes the glass composition of any of thethirty-first through forty-first aspects, wherein the alkali oxidecomprises greater than or equal to about 9 mol. % Na₂O and less than orequal to about 15 mol. % Na₂O.

A forty-third aspect includes the glass composition of any of thethirty-first through forty-second aspects, wherein the ratio of Y:X isless than or equal to 2.

A forty-fourth aspect includes the glass composition of any of thethirty-first through forty-third aspects, wherein the ratio of Y:X isgreater than or equal to 1.3 and less than or equal to 2.0.

A forty-fifth aspect includes the glass composition of any of thethirty-first through forty-fourth aspects, wherein the alkali oxidefurther comprises K₂O in an amount less than or equal to about 3 mol. %.

A forty-sixth aspect includes the glass composition of any of thethirty-first through forty-fifth aspects, wherein the glass compositionis free of phosphorous and compounds of phosphorous.

A forty-seventh includes the glass composition of any of thethirty-first through forty-sixth aspects, wherein the alkali oxidecomprises K₂O in an amount greater than or equal to about 0.01 mol. %and less than or equal to about 1.0 mol. %.

A forty-eighth aspect includes the glass composition of any of thethirty-second or thirty-fourth aspects, wherein an amount of SiO₂ isgreater than or equal to about 70 mol. %.

A forty-ninth aspect includes the glass composition of any of thethirty-second or thirty-fourth aspects, wherein the ratio (B₂O₃ (mol.%)/(Y mol. %−X mol. %) is less than 0.2.

A fiftieth aspect includes the glass composition of any of thethirty-second or thirty-fourth aspects, wherein an amount of B₂O₃ isless than or equal to about 4.0 mol. %.

A fifty-first aspect includes the glass composition of the fiftiethaspect, wherein the amount of B₂O₃ is greater than or equal to about0.01 mol. %.

A fifty-second aspect includes the glass composition of thethirty-fourth aspect, wherein the glass composition is free from boronand compounds of boron.

A fifty-third aspect includes the glass composition of any of thethirty-first through thirty-fourth aspects, wherein the concentration ofSiO₂ is greater than or equal to about 72 mol. %.

A fifty-fourth aspect includes the glass composition of any of thethirty-first through fifty-third aspects, wherein the concentration ofSiO₂ is greater than or equal to about 73 mol. %.

In a fifty-fifth aspects, a glass article is formed from the glasscomposition of any of the thirty-first through fifty-fourth aspects.

A fifty-sixth aspect includes the glass article of the fifty-fifthaspect, wherein the glass article has a type HGB1 hydrolytic resistanceaccording to ISO 719.

A fifty-seventh aspect includes the glass article of any of thefifty-fifth through fifty-sixth aspects, wherein the glass article has atype HGA1 hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 720 after ion exchangestrengthening.

A fifty-eighth aspect includes the glass article of any of thefifty-fifth through fifty-seventh aspects, wherein the glass article hasa type HGA1 hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 720 before and afterion exchange strengthening.

A fifty-ninth aspect includes the glass article of any of thefifty-fifth through fifty-eighth aspects, wherein the glass article hasat least a class S3 acid resistance according to DIN 12116.

A sixtieth aspect includes, the glass article of any of the fifty-fifththrough fifty-ninth aspects, wherein the glass article has at least aclass A2 base resistance according to ISO 695.

A sixty-first aspect includes the glass article of any of thefifty-fifth through sixtieth aspects, wherein the glass article is apharmaceutical package.

A sixty-second aspect includes the glass article of any of thefifty-fifth through sixty-first aspects, wherein the glass article ision exchange strengthened.

A sixty-third aspect includes the glass article of any of thefifty-fifth through sixty-second aspects in which the glass articlefurther a compressive stress layer with a depth of layer greater than orequal to 10 μm and a surface compressive stress greater than or equal to250 MPa.

In a sixty-fourth aspect, a glass article may have a type HGB1hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 719. The glass article may alsohave a threshold diffusivity of greater than 16 μm²/hr at a temperatureless than or equal to 450° C.

A sixty-fifth aspect includes the glass article of the sixty-fourthaspect wherein the threshold diffusivity is greater than or equal to 20μm²/hr at a temperature of less than or equal to 450° C.

A sixty-sixth aspect includes the glass article of any of thesixty-third through sixty-fourth aspects wherein the glass article has atype HGA1 hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 720 after ion exchangestrengthening.

A sixty-seventh aspect includes the glass article of any of thesixty-fourth through sixty-sixth aspects which further comprises acompressive stress with a depth of layer greater than 25 μm.

A sixty-eighth aspect includes the glass article of the sixty-seventhaspect wherein the depth of layer is greater than 35 μm.

A sixty-ninth aspect includes the glass article of any of thesixty-third through sixty-eighth aspects wherein the glass article ision exchange strengthened and the ion exchange strengthening comprisestreating the glass article in a molten salt bath for a time less than orequal to 5 hours at a temperature less than or equal to 450° C.

A seventieth aspect includes the glass article of any of the sixty-thirdthrough sixty-ninth aspects which further comprises a surfacecompressive stress greater than or equal to 350 MPa.

A seventy-first aspect includes the glass article of any of thesixty-third through seventieth aspects wherein the surface compressivestress is greater than or equal to 400 MPa.

A seventy-second aspect includes the glass article of any of thesixty-third through seventy-first aspects, wherein the glass article ision exchange strengthened and the ion exchange strengthening comprisestreating the glass article in a molten salt bath for a time less than orequal to 5 hours at a temperature less than or equal to 450° C.

A seventy-second aspect includes the glass article of any of thesixty-third through seventy-second aspects, wherein the glass article isa pharmaceutical package.

In a seventy-third aspect, a glass article may have a type HGB1hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 719. The glass article may alsohave a compressive stress layer with a depth of layer of greater than 25μm and a surface compressive stress of greater than or equal to 350 MPa.The glass article may be ion exchange strengthened and the ion exchangestrengthening may include treating the glass article in a molten saltbath for a time less than or equal to 5 hours at a temperature less thanor equal to 450° C.

A seventy-fourth aspect includes, the glass article of the seventy-thirdaspect, wherein the glass article has a type HGA1 hydrolytic resistanceaccording to ISO 720 after ion exchange strengthening.

A seventy-fifth aspect includes the glass article of any of theseventy-third through seventy-fourth aspects, wherein the glass articlehas a threshold diffusivity of greater than 16 μm²/hr at a temperatureof less than or equal to 450° C.

A seventy-sixth aspect includes the glass article of any of theseventy-third through seventy-fifth aspects, wherein the thresholddiffusivity is greater than or equal to 20 μm²/hr at a temperature ofless than or equal to 450° C.

A seventy-seventh aspect includes the glass article of any of theseventy-third through seventy-sixth aspects, wherein the glass articleis a pharmaceutical package.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the embodiments describedherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimedsubject matter. Thus it is intended that the specification cover themodifications and variations of the various embodiments described hereinprovided such modification and variations come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A glass pharmaceutical container comprising: SiO₂in an amount greater than equal to 67 mol. % and less than or equal to80 mol. %; alkaline earth oxide in an amount greater than or equal to 4mol. % and less than or equal to 8 mol. %; X mol. % Al₂O₃, wherein X isgreater than or equal to 5 mol. % and less than or equal to 7 mol. %;and Y mol. % alkali oxide, wherein Y is greater than or equal to 2 mol.% and less than or equal to 18 mol. %, wherein: a ratio of aconcentration of B₂O₃ (mol. %) in the glass composition to (Y mol. %−Xmol. %) is less than 0.3; the glass pharmaceutical container has acoefficient of thermal expansion of less than 70×10⁻⁷K⁻¹ from roomtemperature (RT) to 300° C.; and the glass pharmaceutical container hasat least a class A2 base resistance or better according to ISO 695, atleast a type HGB2 hydrolytic resistance or better according to ISO 719and a [Type 1] chemical durability according to USP <660>.
 2. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the alkaline earth oxidecomprises CaO and MgO.
 3. The glass pharmaceutical container of claim 1,wherein a ratio (CaO (mol. %)/(CaO (mol. %)+MgO (mol. %))) is less thanor equal to 0.5.
 4. The glass pharmaceutical container of claim 1,wherein the alkaline earth oxide comprises greater than or equal to0.1mol. % and less than or equal to 1.0 mol. % CaO.
 5. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the alkaline earth oxidecomprises greater than or equal to 3 mol. % and less than or equal to 7mol. % MgO.
 6. The glass pharmaceutical container of claim 1, whereinthe alkali oxide comprises greater than or equal to 9 mol. % Na₂O andless than or equal to 15 mol. % Na₂O.
 7. The glass pharmaceuticalcontainer of claim 1, wherein a ratio of Y:X is greater than or equal to1 and less than or equal to
 2. 8. The glass pharmaceutical container ofclaim 1, wherein the alkali oxide comprises greater than or equal to0.01 mol. % K₂O and less than or equal to 1.0 mol. % K₂O.
 9. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 1 wherein the glass pharmaceuticalcontainer is free of boron and compounds of boron.
 10. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the glass pharmaceuticalcontainer has a type HGB1 hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 719 andat least a class S3 acid resistance according to DIN
 12116. 11. Theglass pharmaceutical container of claim 1, wherein the glasspharmaceutical container has a type HGA1 hydrolytic resistance accordingto ISO 720 after ion exchange strengthening.
 12. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 11, wherein the glass pharmaceuticalcontainer has a type HGA1 hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 720before and after ion exchange strengthening.
 13. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 10, wherein the glass pharmaceuticalcontainer is ion exchange strengthened.
 14. The glass pharmaceuticalcontainer of claim 11, further comprising a compressive stress layerwith a depth of layer greater than or equal to 10 μm and a surfacecompressive stress greater than or equal to 250 MPa.
 15. A glasspharmaceutical container comprising: SiO₂ in an amount greater thanequal to 70 mol. % and less than or equal to 78 mol. %; alkaline earthoxide in an amount greater than or equal to 4 mol. % and less than orequal to 8 mol. %, the alkaline earth oxide comprising CaO and MgO; Xmol. % Al₂O₃, wherein X is greater than or equal to 5 mol. % and lessthan or equal to 7 mol. %; Y mol. % alkali oxide, wherein Y is greaterthan or equal to 8 mol. % and less than or equal to 18 mol. %, wherein:a ratio of a concentration of B₂O₃ (mol. %) to (Y mol. %−X mol. %) isless than 0.3; a ratio of Y:X is greater than 1; and the glasspharmaceutical container has at least a class A2 base resistance orbetter according to ISO 695, at least a type HGB2 hydrolytic resistanceor better according to ISO 719 and a [Type 1] chemical durabilityaccording to USP <660>.
 16. The glass pharmaceutical container of claim15, wherein the glass pharmaceutical container is free from boron andcompounds of boron.
 17. The glass pharmaceutical container of claim 15,wherein the concentration of B₂O₃ is greater than or equal to 0.01 mol.%.
 18. The glass pharmaceutical container of claim 17, wherein theconcentration of B₂O₃ is less than 4 mol. %.
 19. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 15, wherein a ratio (CaO (mol. %)/(CaO(mol. %)+MgO (mol. %))) is less than or equal to 0.5.
 20. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 15, wherein the alkaline earth oxidecomprises greater than or equal to 3 mol. % and less than or equal to 7mol. % MgO.
 21. The glass pharmaceutical container of claim 15, whereinthe alkaline earth oxide comprises CaO in an amount greater than orequal to 0.1 mol. % and less than or equal to 1.0 mol. %.
 22. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 15, wherein the alkali oxide comprisesgreater than or equal to 9 mol. % Na₂O and less than or equal to 13 mol.% Na₂O.
 23. The glass pharmaceutical container of claim 15, wherein theratio of Y:X is less than or equal to
 2. 24. The glass pharmaceuticalcontainer of claim 15, wherein a ratio of Y:X is greater than 1.3. 25.The glass pharmaceutical container of claim 15, wherein the alkali oxidefurther comprises K₂O in a concentration greater than or equal to 0.01mol. % and less than or equal to 1.0 mol. %.
 26. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 15, the glass pharmaceutical containerhas a type HGB1 hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 719 and at leasta class S3 acid resistance according to DIN
 12116. 27. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 15, wherein the glass pharmaceuticalcontainer has a type HGB1 hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 719 andat least a class S3 acid resistance according to DIN
 12116. 28. Theglass pharmaceutical container of claim 15, wherein the glasspharmaceutical container has a type HGA1 hydrolytic resistance accordingto ISO 720 after ion exchange strengthening.
 29. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 15, wherein the glass pharmaceuticalcontainer has a type HGA1 hydrolytic resistance according to ISO 720before and after ion exchange strengthening.
 30. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 15, further comprising a compressivestress layer with a depth of layer greater than or equal to 10 μm and asurface compressive stress greater than or equal to 250 MPa.
 31. A glasspharmaceutical container comprising: SiO₂ in an amount greater thanequal to 74 mol. % and less than or equal to 78 mol. %; alkaline earthoxide in an amount greater than or equal to 4 mol. % and less than orequal to 8 mol. %, wherein a ratio (CaO (mol. %)/(CaO (mol. %)+MgO (mol.%))) is less than or equal to 0.5; X mol. % Al₂O₃, wherein X is greaterthan or equal to 4 mol. % and less than or equal to 8 mol. %; and Y mol.% alkali oxide, wherein Y is greater than or equal to 2 mol. % and lessthan or equal to 18 mol. %, wherein: a ratio of a concentration of B₂O₃(mol. %) to (Y mol. %−X mol. %) is less than 0.3.
 32. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 31, wherein the alkaline earth oxidecomprises less than or equal to 6 mol. % CaO.
 33. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 31, wherein the alkaline earth oxidecomprises 0 mol. % CaO.
 34. The glass pharmaceutical container of claim31, wherein X is greater than or equal to 5 mol. % and less than orequal to 7 mol. %.
 35. The glass pharmaceutical container of claim 31,wherein Y is greater than or equal to 8 mol. % and less than or equal to18 mol. %.
 36. The glass pharmaceutical container of claim 31, whereinthe concentration of B₂O₃ is less than 4 mol. %.
 37. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 31, wherein the glass pharmaceuticalcontainer is free from boron and compounds of boron.
 38. The glasspharmaceutical container of claim 31, wherein a ratio of Y:X is greaterthan
 1. 39. The glass pharmaceutical container of claim 37, wherein theratio of Y:X is less than or equal to
 2. 40. The glass pharmaceuticalcontainer of claim 31, wherein a ratio of Y:X is greater than 1.3.